From chilly Edinburgh, where our yearlong grand tour officially ended, we went to the splendid Atlantic coast city of Porto in Northern Portugal, where we shed some layers, soaked up some welcome sunshine, saw cobalt skies for the first time in months, and attended Wine Pleasures’ 2011 International Wine Tourism Conference. As wine, along with … Read more
I grew up in a family where everyone played at least two musical instruments. That’s not a boast. I had to listen to musical scales being played on piano every day during my childhood. For three hours. Every day. I placed my fingers in my ears while cello, violin and viola practice was taking place. … Read more
One of the things we love most about holiday rentals over hotels is that we’re able to cook and eat ‘at home’. Because unless you’re Keith Floyd (one of my inspirations as a wannabe cook in my 20s), you can’t just rock up to a hotel kitchen and whip something up. You can, however, do … Read more
Having just spent our first full winter in Europe, we thought it was time for some reflections on the last four months of our grand tour. Having lived in Sydney for many years, it’s fair to say that winter was of little consequence in Australia. Sure it gets chilly, but you have to drive a few … Read more
We did a hell of a lot of food-related activities over the last 12 months for Grantourismo. And my best foodie travel moments of the year didn’t occur while seated at a voguish restaurant… My Best Foodie Travel Moments from our Grand Tour These are the best food and culinary travel moments from our yearlong … Read more